Kenny Kopta
Mar 5, 2025
Don't Despise the Small Things
Kindling the Word: Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”
Stoking the Spirit: Even the mightiest fire begins with a spark, and God delights in our small steps of obedience, knowing they lead to the greater work He is completing in us.
One of the most beloved stories in the Bible is David slaying Goliath. Imagine the scene: a young man, with no battle experience or armor, standing confidently before a giant seasoned in war. Where did David’s courage come from?
1 Samuel 17:45: “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’”
David’s victory over Goliath wasn’t a sudden moment of triumph. It was the result of preparation and faith cultivated over time. As a shepherd, David faced lions and bears—smaller challenges that required faith, courage, and trust in God. Each of these moments prepared him for the day he would face a giant. When the time came, David trusted in God’s faithfulness to deliver him.
This story reminds us that every small step we take in obedience and faith prepares us for greater challenges ahead. Like David, when we trust in God, no giant is too big to overcome.
I faced my own “Goliath” when I had to take the State of Florida Building Contractor License exam, known for being one of the most difficult tests to pass. Unlike a grade school test, my livelihood depended on it. I was intimidated and anxious. Failing the exam the first time crushed me, as my worst fear came true. But just as David didn’t defeat Goliath without first trusting God, I had to learn to rely on Him. When I surrendered this exam to God, I passed it the second time with flying colors. That blew me away! The Goliath of fear that deceived me was defeated! Go God!
My dad, who faced similar struggles, especially when getting his Contractor License, often shared how he overcame challenges with God’s help. He would encourage me by saying, “If I can pass it, you can too. Trust that God will help you.” His words reminded me of David’s declaration to Goliath: it wasn’t about the size of the giant, but about proving that nothing is too big for my God to overcome. Facing this challenge wasn’t just about passing a test—it was about learning to trust God, work diligently, and stop avoiding my Goliaths.
Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
The truth in Proverbs 16:9 became real to me. While I planned to overcome, it was God who established each step I needed to take. Philippians 1:6 reminded me that God doesn’t give up on the work He begins in us. Trust in God, take small steps of obedience, and watch Him work mighty victories in your life.
Fireside Reflection
What “Goliath” are you facing that feels too big to conquer?
How has God prepared you in small ways for the challenges you’re facing now?
Are you trusting Him to establish your steps, or are you allowing fear and doubt to hold you back?
Embers of Challenge
Face the Goliath: Write down the challenge that feels overwhelming to you.
Remember the Lions and Bears: Reflect on past victories where God has equipped you in ways you didn’t expect.
Take a Small Step: Commit to one small, faithful action today to move closer to overcoming your challenge.
Ignited for Action: Small steps are powerful when fueled by faith. Like David picking up five smooth stones, trust that each step of obedience matters. Write down Zechariah 4:10 and 1 Samuel 17:45 as reminders that God celebrates the beginnings of your journey and will fight alongside you.
Fireside180 Connection: In our Fireside180 journey, we learn to encourage each other as brothers facing our own Goliaths. Transformation happens not in isolation but through shared faith and accountability. Like David’s brothers who doubted him, the world may tell you that you can’t win. But as iron sharpens iron, we remind each other to trust God, take small steps, and walk in His victory.
Fanning the Flames in Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my strength when I feel inadequate. Like David, help me trust You to face the Goliaths in my life, one small step at a time. Thank You for the ways You’ve prepared me through past experiences, even when I couldn’t see it. Strengthen me to step forward in faith, knowing that You establish my path and complete the work You’ve begun in me. Amen.
Keeping the Fire Burning (Weekly Memory Verse): Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”
Carry this verse and 1 Samuel 17:45 with you as you face the Goliaths in your life. Let them remind you that God celebrates every faithful step you take and is working to bring about victory for His glory.